7 ways to survive month-end financial stress

Managing your household finances and making ends meet at the end of the month can prove to be a challenge.

But readjusting your budget once a year - just as the finance minister does - can make it a lot easier, says Old Mutual Head of Financial Education, John Manyike.

"In the same way that the national government takes a hard look at the state of the economy every February, and puts measures into place to strengthen it, consumers need to reassess their challenges and opportunities annually," Manyike advises.

He says that being "money smart" has become more important than ever to ensure that consumers survive the stress of month-end.

To help you create a shockproof household budget, Manyike shares seven tips:

5. Don't live to impress - Don't put yourself under pressure by trying to keep up with the Joneses. Live and dress according to your means and not according to your friends' lifestyles. (They may also be in deep debt behind the scenes).

6. Learn to say no - Don't allow yourself to be pressured into buying things you don't need and can't afford.

7. Stay up to date - Take note of any taxation changes that could affect your financial decisions.